Ferland Mendy: Arsenal’s long-term answer

Arsenal should begin a search for a new left-back in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Gunners are short of options on the left side of defence with Nacho Monreal approaching the end of his career and Sead Kolasinac failing to impress Unai Emery on a consistent basis. If Arsenal are serious about challenging for the Premier League title, they simply must improve their defence. Signing a new left-back should be a priority in the upcoming transfer window.

Top quality left-backs are in short supply – Manchester City forked out over £50m to secure the services of Benjamin Mendy from Monaco. Unless you can find a bargain as Liverpool did with Andy Robertson, clubs are expected to pay a premium for a top-class full-back.

One man who fits the bill is Lyon defender – Ferland Mendy. Valued at just £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman has developed into a crucial player for his side, making the left-back berth his own at the club. Mendy has been one of the stand out performers in Ligue 1 so far, earning plenty of praise for his performances from fans and pundits.

Similar to his countryman at Manchester City, his next step could be in the Premier League. An offensive-minded fullback, Arsenal fans would quickly fall in love with the 23-year-old. Mendy possesses blistering pace that allows him to keep up with the quickest of forwards and dribbling skill that help transition defence into attack, averaging 1.9 successful dribbles per game. His excellent crossing skills could mean even more goals for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Prising him from Lyon could prove costly, but the price might just be worth it for the Gunners.